Customer Reviews

DNA: The Secret of Life

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you are interested in the science of genetics (What exactly is a gene? How does DNA work? How does genetic fingerprinting work? How do they do that?) then this book is for you. If, on the other hand, you are interested in the social implications of genetics (Is genetic profiling ethical? Should we be exploring gene therapy? Does genetic testing of fetuses promote abortion? What good is the human genome project?), then this book is ALSO for you.

Indeed, one might criticize this book for having an identity crisis as to whether it is about science or ethics. However, I have come to realize that in genetics, perhaps more than in any other discipline, science and social issues are inexorably linked. Even so, while I found the book fascinating from cover to cover (almost), I would have to say that it tends to be disjointed in places, leaping from subject to subject a little haphazardly. It is almost as if the writer was ticking off items on his "things to write about" list. As such, the book loses its cohesion from time to time. For example, a chapter on the early Soviet Union's biology program is wedged in between accounts of recent searches for pernicious genes and studies of twins.

But this is a minor point. Mr. Watson is not only a top notch scientist, he is an excellent writer. Although the chapter on Soviet biology left me scratching my head, it was amusing, interesting and well-written, as was the rest of the book. And for that, I can forgive a great deal. The proof is in the pudding. Over the last few days, I have engaged a number of colleagues, as well as my wife, in discussions on genetics issues and have found that this book has greatly enriched my understanding of the field and reinforced my interest in the subject. It's also worth pointing out that if you are in the process of building a family, this book is full of the kind of scientific background that will hold you in good stead as you examine options like genetic testing, in-vitro fertilization and the implications of family histories of disease.

I will levy only one direct criticism about this book. It tends to wander aimlessly toward the end. It is almost as if Mr. Watson couldn't decide how to end it, so he chose to do so multiple times. The result is a rather off-putting set of diatribes espousing the author's agnostic and highly utilitarian approach to the subject. (Incidentally, those of you on or near the religious right will find plenty of fodder here.) Not that I minded hearing the author's views, it's just that "I got it already."

However, this is a minor taint to an otherwise excellent book about the science and ethics of genetics. For you armchair scientists out there, I would put this one toward the top of the "to read" stack.

The names of Watson & Crick are one of those things that just seems to stick in everyone's head no matter how little they paid attention in school (kind of like the term onomatopoeia) so of course seeing a book written about DNA by James Watson of Watson & Crick fame set alarms going off in my head. I had high expectations of the book because of the author's intimate acquaintance with the subject but they were all surpassed and furthermore I was surprised by how enjoyable a read this book was and how nonthreatening Watson, along with his coauthor Andrew Berry, was able to present his subject matter.

The actual science in this book doesn't really go on beyond what one would lean in a freshman college or an advanced high school biology class but in presenting the science embedded in it's historical background DNA: The Secret of Life allows the reader to look at it again with new eyes, showing them not as the establish beachhead we believe those areas to be today but rather viewing them with the novelty and excitement they were initially greeted by.

But the actual metabolic functions of life's most important structure, DNA, comprises only a fractional portion of this book with the majority instead devoting much of it to the questions that possessing such knowledge raises. Genetically altered crops, reproductive implications, the question of `ownership' of sequenced genetic information-these are the true questions of the book. Watson, while possessing a very strong since of what he believe to be right and wrong in these different areas manages to be unambiguous about his views while at the same time not coming across as too much of a zealous so as to seem intractable.

Not only is this a great book by one of the most known names in the biological sciences but it is also written in a clear and engaging style which makes it such a great retreat to sit down and read for an afternoon.

This book was a lot of fun to read and I really felt like I learned a lot after I finished. The book talks about genetically modified food and how there was such an outcry by the public when it first came in to the market. People didn't want to eat "Frankestien food". He explains why many things people think are bad about recombinant DNA (putting the DNA of one organism into another) are just misconceptions and that there is more potential for good than bad when it comes to recombinant DNA.
The book did get a little boring for me when it came to the chapter on the human genome project though, but that was the only chapter that wasn't interesting to me.
Even people with a strong science schooling will learn things they did not know from this book. I am a third year biology major and learned a lot. There may be some parts that are difficult to understand if you haven't taken a few science classes, but the book is still worth reading.
If you are a religious person you might get upset by this book because Watson treats evolution as truth and bases quite a bit of reasoning on it. He doesn't try to hide the fact that he is an atheist, but does criticize the religious a little with his tone. (I personally am not religious.)

James Watson's book, DNA: The Secret of Life, describes the history of DNA and genetics from a scientist who was an eyewitness to the revolutions in genetics. Watson helped discover the 3D structure of the double helix, and led out as a director of the Human Genome Project. There are three main aspects to this book: 1) the recent and on-going history of scientific discoveries in the exploration of genetics, 2) the mechanics of how things work (such as how DNA replicates or is cloned, or how genes are linked to diseases, etc.) and 3) the author's perspective of how life evolved.

Prior to the discovery of DNA, people have been playing around with heredity and the role of inheriting traits in breading animals and agriculture since the beginning of history. But with the developments of science, the study of genetics has brought more light to the subject. Watson talks about the people who contributed to the emerging field of genetics, from Gregor Mendel and Charles Darwin, through the "eugenics" movement of the early 1900's, to the Human Genome Project. By telling the stories of the struggles in science, with the author's frankness, honesty and wit, Watson gains authority and authenticity in the presentation of his information. This book is illuminating and will arouse an interest in the subject of genetics in every reader.

My only personal problem with the book is that the author presents his opinions and perspectives within the text as if his opinions themselves were facts, while in truth there are many issues that are still debated. Watson starts with the founding assumption, or presupposition that life is the result of chance. He makes some unfounded assertions or conclusions that might have other alternate viewpoints. For example, he goes from talking about the chemical properties and processes of DNA replication, jumping to how life began in an "RNA world." He also implies that Arthur Kornberg had created "life in a test tube," while Kornberg himself has written that he did not, in fact, create life. (Journal of Bacteriology)

Watson also asserts that, "The Human Genome Project has proved Darwin more right than Darwin himself would ever have dared dream." But on what basis can he say this? The HGP merely sequenced and mapped DNA and cannot prove anything by itself. Watson employs circular thinking to support evolutionary claims: "proofs" that are founded on the presupposition that humans are results of evolution. The primary argument for evolution is the similarity between all biological systems. But, what if all biological systems were designed similarly on purpose? If something works well in one place, why redesign it? Watson believes that the "grandest mission" of molecular biology is to answer questions about ourselves and our origins as a species. But, as long as scientists start with the presupposition that humans are the result of evolution, the results will always be interpreted that way. So my only caution is that you should distinguish what is actually fact and what is merely the author's speculation.

Anyway, I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the subject of genetics. Watson presents almost every aspect of the subject in clear detail, and he is frank about the ethical and social implications of the discoveries that are sure to challenge traditional ways of thinking.

Fifty years ago author and scientist James D. Watson helped launch an investigation into the phenomena of human DNA with publication of his now-famous "Double Helix" book: today he gives the first history of the genetic revolution from Mendel to human genome sequencing. Individual chapters consider the rise of molecular science, provide explanations of DNA processes and emerging new sciences surrounding genetics, and provides general-interest readers with a fine blend of science and social issues. This is an important survey and a "must" for school and community library Science and Biology collections.

This book has achieved a great feat: explaining genetics clearly without dumbing it down.

This is a fascinating scientific tale of life's history told by one of science's champions - Dr. Watson. We are fortunate that he is also a gifted writer and story teller. This book is a scientific page turner and by the end of the first few chapters the reader realizes what all the excitement is about. It is an easy read and a good review for people with science background, for others the details might prove challenging but the big picture is certainly within grasp. With the sequencing of the human genome, many aspects of our lives has and will change, this book can help usher us into the new age by teaching us the basics so we can be "DNA literate". I am a clinical physician but this book has awakened the scientist in me. I highly recommend it.

This book is every bit as good as the other reviewers suggest.

Although, I have not read other books in this field, I recognize excellent writing when I see it. I am compelled to state that a reader looking to learn about this complex field need look no further than this book in order to get a comprehensive, authoritative and highly interesting account - one that is not afraid to confront some of the major and controversial views.

A few additional comments:

a. While written very well, the material is such that I found this book to be one that is best enjoyed in many smaller helpings

b. It is one of the rare books that gets progressively more interesting, the further one gets into the book (somehow the topics are arranged that way) - patience and faith are strongly recommended. As a last resort, try one of the later chapters - they can be read independently of each other for the most part.

c. The arrangement may seem somewhat unstructured - have faith - there are so many aspects to this "field" - let the authority guide you.

d. While some readers may question the authors opinions, I found them extremely well reasoned and articulated - even if they feel a bit uncomfortable to start with. I saw no agenda other than the pursuit of science to benefit mankind.

Overall, hats off - I am very thankful that there are people out there that do write about such topics that may not have mass market appeal.

ABSTRACT
DNA - The Secrets of Life
Authors - James D. Watson with Andrew Berry
Random House, Inc., New York

This book DNA - The secrets of Life goes into depth on more then several subjects on many different levels. The book starts by introducing and walking you through the History or beginning of genetics from Mendel to Hitler. The book is able to answer most all questions/concerns and clarifies any confusion that may be had.

Several chapters in the book or sections, if you will, discuss DNA itself. They start by introducing it as the Double Helix in chapter 2. They go on to further explain throughout the book the coding of DNA and the molecules that are customized in the DNA double helix strand. DNA - The Secrets of Life also writes about the roll DNA plays in Biotechnology and human past and evolution.

The book takes a slight turn at chapter 10 when the topic of DNA comes up in court cases and how it is so useful and highly effective in today's law firms. In the following chapters of the book it presents the idea of Genetic Diseases and how to hunt down the "odd gene out" that is mutated and causes the initial problem. The book continues on by writing of how genetic diseases may be prevented or treated. This chapter presents insight into the cure and the factors and results that play into finding a cure into genetic diseases.

The book ends with a bang of a chapter that asks the question: Who are we? Nature vs. Nurture.

Marc Brien wrote this Abstract

This book brought me to my feet and made me applaud and cheer outloud. It was a delightful book that shared the history/current and possible future discoveres with DNA

This is an outstanding book, perfect for the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA, that reviews the history of genetics and the many advances that have been made in genetic research. It is a very readable book for a layperson with a huge wealth of information about who discovered what and when. The book is thus written for a non-biomajor who wants to understand the history of genetics and gain a broad appreciation for the many discoveries. The book provides insight into the personalities of geneticists and the inner squabbles and politics of genetic research. As packed with information as the book is, every chapter could easily be expanded into a separate book as readable, lucid, and stimulating as the original book. What great reading that would be!